In Stephen King’s book The Green Mile, death row is referred to as the “Green Mile” because of the green linoleum floor that runs through the prison’s death row. The green color of the floor symbolizes the path that condemned prisoners take on their way to the execution chamber. This journey is often seen as a metaphorical “last mile” that leads to their final destination.
The term “Green Mile” is used to emphasize the inevitability and solemnity of the journey that the prisoners must take. It also serves as a reminder of the grim reality of the death penalty and the finality of the prisoners’ fate. The green linoleum floor becomes a powerful symbol of the path to death, making the term “Green Mile” both literal and metaphorical in the context of the story.